Visiting São Miguel

  Cha Gorreana Tea Plantation  Near Maia (north coast) Has a walking trail through the tea fields, a terrace cafe, and offers a tour of their old-timey tea factory. Google Maps Trail information : https://trails.visitazores.com/en/trails-azores/sao-miguel/ cha-gorreana Porto Formoso Tea Factory   Near Porto Formoso (north coast) A bit smaller than nearby Cha Gorreana, but also offers a free tour and tea sample Beautiful old buildings and lovely views. Google Maps

Pineapples from São Miguel are a real treat! They are smaller, sweeter, and less acidic than standard pineapples. You can buy them at farmer's markets and in grocery stores, but it's worth visiting a plantation to see how they are grown. In Ponta Delgada (south coast) The pineapples are grown in greenhouses, so this is a good rainy day activity. The plantations all have a cafe and gift shop. There are several to choose from:  Plantação do Ananás dos Açores: https://ananasdosacores.pt/en/plantacao/ Ananás Santo António: https://m.facebook.com/AnanasesSantoAntonio/ Plantação Ananases A Arruda: https://www.ananasesarruda.com/

  There are two main ceramics workshops that produce traditional handmade and hand painted ceramics and tiles. Good rainy day activity. Cerâmica Micaelense in Ribeira Grande (north coast) Open weekdays 9am-6pm; closed on weekends Google Maps Cerâmica Vieira in Lagoa (south coast) Open weekdays 9am-5pm; closed Saturday afternoon and Sunday Google Maps

  In Capelas (north coast) Extensive and charmingly presented private collection of historical items from the island, grouped by profession. Very worth seeing! The elder couple who have collected, curated, and created this museum are a treasure; I hope they will be able to keep this open for years to come! They also make and sell traditional ceramic figurines for nativity sets, woven and hand-embroidered items, and traditional art made of fish scales, fig pith, and garlic/onion skin.  Good rainy day option. Open: Monday through Friday from 10am-noon and from 2-4pm Saturdays from 2-5pm €3 entrance fee Google Maps Website : https://www.oficinamuseu.pt/

  In Ginetes (west coast) Hot spring that flows into the ocean at a natural pool.  Mid-tide is best, as the waves can be scary at high tide and the water can be too hot at low tide.  You can park in the large lot at the top of the hill and walk down from there, or you can drive all the way down and park at the restaurant/spa building - from there it is a short walk.  There are public changing rooms and bathrooms.  No entrance fee. Google Maps Overview of all hot springs

The Vista dos Barcos viewpoint is just off of the main road (EN1-1A) just south of Vila de Nordeste. It has a gorgeous view of the Farol do Arnel lighthouse and the little fishing port below it. There is a small picnic area, but no rest room. It is a great place to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic! Google Maps

The Miradouro de Santa Iría viewpoint has a stunning view along the north coast of São Miguel.  On a clear day you can see Pico de Vara, the highest peak on Sāo Miguel. It is right off the main road (EN1-1A) just east of Ribeira Grande.  It does not have a picnic area, but in the summer there are sometimes food carts at the parking lot. The miradouro has a public restroom. Google Maps

The island has Miradouros everywhere. These are viewpoints with amazing vistas - it is always worth it to stop when you see one along the road! Many also have gardens and barbecue areas, complete with grills, firewood, running water, and rest rooms.  There is no cost and no reservation necessary, just bring your picnic and enjoy. They often have cat colonies, so we usually bring some dry food to share with them. Some favorites:  East coast: Vista dos Barcos , Ponta do Sossego, Ponta da Madrugada Southeast: Pôr-do-Sol, Pico dos Bodes, Lomba do Cavaleiro South coast: Nossa Senhora da Paz, Ilhéu de Rosto de Cão  West coast: Caminho Novo, Vigia das Baleias das Feteiras, Ponta do Escalvado North coast: Santa Iría Interior: Salto do Cavalo, Vista do Rei, Boca do Inferno, Lagoa do Fogo

Santana Farmer's Market In Santana, just west of Ribeira Grande (north coast) Thursdays from 8am-1pm Fruits, veggies, honey, eggs, animals, baskets, plants, etc. Google Maps Mercado da Graça   In downtown Ponta Delgada Large covered farmer's market  Closed Sundays and Saturday afternoons Google Maps

There are many beautiful hot springs on Sāo Miguel, each with its own character. Terra Nostra Botanical Garden In Furnas €17 entrance fee for the botanical garden includes the geothermal pool and jacuzzis for soaking in. The botanical garden has rest rooms, showers, and changing rooms. If you book a stay at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, you have access to the garden and thermal pools even after they close to the public for the day.  Google Maps Botanical Garden website: https://www.parqueterranostra.com/en/ Hotel website : https://www.bensaudehotels.com/en/terranostragardenhotel Ponta da Ferraria Piscina natural da Ponta da Ferraria in Ginetes (west coast) Hot spring that flows into the ocean at a natural pool.  Mid-tide is best, as the waves can be scary at high tide and the water can be too hot at low tide.  You can park in the large lot at the top of the hill and walk down from there, or you can drive all the way down and park at the restaurant/spa building - from th...

Clothing: Pack light layers: t-shirt or long-sleeve hiking shirt, a light fleece, and a packable rain jacket. Quick-drying synthetics will feel and perform better than thick cotton fabrics. The sun is strong here, so definitely bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. If you plan on visiting hot springs, bring a black or dark-colored bathing suit, as a few of them are rich in mineral content that can discolor fabric. Shoes: I like trail runners that are light and breathable but have a good tread, as the volcanic rock can be slippery.  Water sandals are useful for beaches, streams, and waterfall pools.  Hiking poles are not a bad idea (but can't be brought in a carry-on).

Welcome! Here are some ways to find information on the blog: Click on the " hamburger menu " at the top left of the main page (three stacked lines)  Choose Labels You will see a list of terms such as General Information , Weather , Gentle Walks , etc.  Click on any label to bring up all posts on that subject You can also use the Search function to find posts with specific terms.  I hope this information is helpful in planning your time on São Miguel island!

The weather on São Miguel is temperate but unpredictable. You can expect sun, rain, clouds, and fog, probably all four in one day.  The temperature is pretty much between 55-75° year round, with high humidity. It is never cold, but it can cloud over or rain at any moment - and the sun can reappear at any moment as well!  The closer you are to the coast, the sunnier and warmer it is likely to be, and as you go up in elevation you can expect cooler temperatures and more wind and clouds. Patience and flexibility are key. With the changeable weather, a view could be completely clouded over when you arrive, but open up soon afterwards - or vice versa!  One strategy is to plan the higher elevation outings (like Vista do Rei, Boca do Inferno, or Lagoa do Fogo) for earlier in your trip so you can try again later if the weather doesn't cooperate. The SpotAzores site is very helpful - it has a series of webcams all over the islands which allow you a real-time view of the weather i...